Wegovy (generic: semaglutide) is a new injectable weight loss medication that is in the same family as Saxenda (GLP-1 receptor agonist). Unlike Saxenda, howver, Wegovy only needs to be injected once a week! Like Saxenda, this medication is approved by the FDA for patients with a BMI of 27-30 if they have weight-related medical problems, or any patient with a BMI over 30.
Wegovy works by interacting with GLP-1 receptors in your body. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) is an appetite hormone that is naturally produced in humans that helps to regulate hunger. Saxenda works like GLP-1 by regulating your appetite, which leads to decrease calorie consumption and therefore weight loss.
Wegovy comes in a single-use pen that makes injections very simple. The dosage is adjusted over 5 months, starting at 0.25 milligrams in the first month and going to 2.4 milligrams in month 5. Each dose comes in 1 pack of 4 pens and contains only the specific dosage for that month.
The manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, offers a savings program where eligible patients will pay $25 fo a 28-day supply of Wegovy with up to 6 refills. Go to GetToKnowWegovy.com for more information! You will need a Wegovy savings card (or a Kit number) which we can provide at all JourneyLite Physicians offices. You must know your financial responsibility for Wegovy before you come in for a consultation!
Wegovy is typically injected in the skin of the lower abdomen. Make sure to clean the injection site with an alcohol swab or soap and water first. Simply insert the tiny needle all the way into the skin and press the button on the end of the syringe. You will hear 2 clicks – after the second click keep holding down the button until the yellow bar stops moving. You can get further instructions and watch a video on how to inject at StartWegovy.com.
Pens must be disposed of in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container, or a sturdy household container with a tight-fitting lid.